My travels on Monday and Tuesday took me along the Yellowstone River and the surrounding Yellowstone Valley to the towns of Forsyth and Custer, respectively. After Sunday’s “adventure”, I was ready for these short, predictable rides. This eastern part of Montana is so rural that distances between towns makes it the most challenging of the trip. My decision was to ride either 55+ miles each day or stretch to 110+ assuming no wrong turns! With hot temps creeping up into the 90s both days, I opted for the former not that latter. My social life in these tiny places declined but my body rejuvenated. I realized I will be riding for two weeks in Montana alone, no surprise this state is the 4th largest in land mass after Alaska, Texas and California. It will also be the highest altitude of my trip, hitting ~7,500 feet when I shift northwest from Bozeman to Missoula. Exciting times ahead and some incredible natural beauty. But, first, a trip through Billings, the largest city in Montana and home to more than a dozen, great coffeehouses. Will need that rocket fuel to hit the mountains! Anecdotally, I read that Lewis and Clark apparently doled out coffee sparingly to their team of explorers called the Corps of Discovery. No caffeine for Sacagawea even though she was toting a toddler on their expedition?! Hard pass for me, L&C.
